Who Was the Great Leader of Dalits and Adivasis? Lalu Yadav Pays Tribute to Shibu Soren

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shibu Soren was a significant figure in Jharkhand politics and tribal rights advocacy.
- He co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in 1972.
- He served as Chief Minister three times, impacting state policies.
- Known as Dishom Guru, he was revered in tribal communities.
- His legacy continues to inspire future leaders and activists.
New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav expressed profound grief and honored the legacy of Shibu Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a key figure behind the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), who sadly passed away on Monday morning at a hospital in Delhi following a lengthy illness.
“Today, we mourn the loss of Shibu Soren. He was an exceptional leader for Dalits and Adivasis. His departure is a significant loss, and we extend our sincere tributes to him,” stated Lalu Yadav.
Shibu Soren, a prominent tribal leader and father of current Chief Minister Hemant Soren, breathed his last at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi at 8:56 a.m., as per the hospital's announcement.
“He succumbed after battling a long illness, which included a kidney condition and a stroke suffered a month and a half prior. He had been on life support for the last month,” the hospital reported.
Soren was treated under the supervision of Dr. A.K. Bhalla, the Chairman of Nephrology, along with a dedicated team from the neurology and ICU departments.
Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, which was then in Bihar (currently in Jharkhand), Shibu Soren hailed from the Santhal tribal community. A passionate advocate for tribal rights, he began his activism at the young age of 18 by establishing the Santhal Navyuvak Sangh, focusing on land and tribal issues.
In 1972, he co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) alongside A.K. Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato, spearheading the movement for a distinct Jharkhand state and the empowerment of tribal populations.
He held the position of General Secretary of the JMM and played a crucial role in the movement that ultimately resulted in the establishment of Jharkhand in 2000.
Soren served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand on three occasions. While his tenures were brief due to coalition dynamics, his influence on state politics and advocacy for tribal rights was deeply felt.
Affectionately known as Dishom Guru, Shibu Soren was celebrated in tribal circles for his unwavering dedication to justice and the upliftment of marginalized communities.
His passing signifies the closure of a significant chapter in Jharkhand's political landscape.